Okavango: Africa's Last Eden

by Frans Lanting

Now in a stunning paperback edition, Africa's Last Eden captures the magnificent animals of the Kalahari Desert and their fragile environment in a highly praised collection of 125 extraordinary photographs, taken during a year-long expedition by award-winning National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting. The vast Okavango wetlands support a diversity of wildlife unparalleled anywhere in Africa. Hippos, crocodiles, zebras, impalas, giraffes, lions, and some of the continent's last wild elephant herds are but a few of the creatures that find sustenance in the seasonal ebb and flow of fresh water across Botswana's arid plain. With striking, full-color images and an insightful text, this award-winning volume will captivate nature lovers, environmentalists, and photography enthusiasts alike.

Genres: Photography, Africa, Travel, Botswana, Nature, Nonfiction, Art

162 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Victoria Bolkhovitina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, beautiful pictures and narration.

[Dottie Suggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful images with interesting commentary about the large delta in Botswana.

[Keith Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the night photography shots left me cold, but otherwise brilliant

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent photos and written explanations of this amazing place.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lanting published this in 1983, when the Okavango was not high on the list of places to see in Africa. So his photos capture it when it was truly wild. He makes a strong case for preservation, which I hope has happened. There are not so many elephants due to poaching but Botswana seems to have done better than most African countries at setting aside areas where large animals can roam freely. Lanting's photos are always stunning. His descriptions of how he managed to capture the photos is also amazing.

[Laura-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much, much more than just a pretty face. Finally a clear explanation of the counterintuitive juxtaposition of the cycle of rising and falling of delta waters against Botswana's wet and dry season. This along with the account of the termites annual nuptial flight following the first heavy rain and the ensuing chain of events beautifully paints a complete picture of the cycle of life in this wetland in the midst of the Kalahari Desert.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if all the 'facts' about animals are true or not, but the narrative is very concise and educational about the various habitats of Africa, coupled with brilliant photographs from this National Geographic photographer. How is that for a run-on sentence?

[Brett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Impressive only with respect to the sheer volume and diversity of images. The photography itself, however, is uninspired. For truly breathtaking African wildlife images, look to Nick Brandt . . . .

[Mike Spinak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photography in this book is superb. Frans Lanting really shows a subtle, deep sensitivity to the subjects and the land in the book, leaving you with a sense of Okavango and its importance.

Speaking as a wildlife photographer, myself, this book was (and remains) an inspiration.

[Zara's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photography in this book is beyond stunning. There are some explanatory notes before each section and then there are explanatory notes before each picture. It's an easy read and extremely enjoyable.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A photography book with some commentary by the author. Lanting is an amazingly gifted photographer with a passion for wildlife. If you love animals you love Lanting.

[Deyara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures and interesting stories.

[Kelly]

Have to admit I didn't 'read' the book, but spent time drooling over the photos. Love the photography in this book. The perspective in some of the images is amazing!